South Metropolitan TAFE floral artist wins first prize

The 20-year-old Certificate III student at the South Metropolitan TAFE in Bunbury designed and created a sheaf inspired by her love for equestrian and cross country.        

Judges were looking for a presentation sheaf with impact, eye appeal from a distance, easy to hold and reflecting the Rio theme and high resolution photos were essential to present entries in the best possible way. 

Her work featured in Category 1 of the competition, which requires wildflower and foliage products to account for a minimum of 75 per cent of the total plant material used in the design, and up to 25 per cent may be traditional, exotic or tropical flowers. 

Julia said the flowers and foliage selected for her presentation bunch were familiar to her, growing where she rides her horse and were chosen from local species.

Her intention was to remind the riders of home and encourage the Australian team to achieve Olympic success. 

The excellent quality and well-balanced placement of the plant materials, design and professional finish all combined to determine Julia as the overall winner. Her sheaf was also easy to hold and features interesting binding and adornment. 

In a major coup for the local TAFE, another student Mia Fox took home the second prize in the same category.  

Mia’s interpretation of the vibrant Olympic flame was represented by the use of burnished red and gold roses and Leucospermum spp. as the focal point, visually and physically supported by kangaroo paw, golden wattle and complimentary foliage. 

“I am so proud of my Bunbury students Julia and Mia for coming first and second in this prestigious competition for Australian TAFE floristry students,” Bunbury TAFE instructor Ms Eileen Wenn said.

“I could burst with excitement for them both, stunning work ladies.

“Big congratulations also to Sheree McGee, my daughter, for her photography talent, time and care to take these winning photographs.”